Wednesday, April 30, 2014

beside river bank he balances,
ponders a million different paths
the midnight stars might lead.

by Margaret Bednar, April 30, 2014

This is for "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Word List with Grapeling" The words are selected form a favorite children's' story of Grapeling's - "The Little Prince" and the challenge is to write a poem in the spirit of the book. I confess, I have yet to read this classic, so I used seven of the words and hope that will be good enough.

This wraps up my 30 poems in April - also known as: NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month. The website is HERE. I am on a blog break for a few days and will post on Monday, May 5th the winner of the drawing below - You have until May 4th - midnight to sign up.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry. If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING. THANKS.

I'm far behind on commenting for the last few challenges at "The Garden" (2 which were challenges hosted by me!). We have had quite a bit of activity on our house for sale (no offers yet) and a few one hour notices … suffice it to say, I'm nearly pulling my hair out. I am taking a blogging break for the next few days as my husband and I are celebrating our 24th anniversary! I will catch up visiting and commenting but will not be posting anything for a few days after Grapeling's wordlist challenge tomorrow. I actually did a poem a day for all of April. I will select a winner for the drawing described below when I get back!

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month. The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry. If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING. THANKS.

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month. The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry. If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING. THANKS.

My mother hangs everything on the clothes line and this smell always transports me back to my childhood. I used to be horribly embarrassed as a teenager - I had not a few high school friends snicker at my teeny tiny bras…

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month. The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry. If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING. THANKS.

Saturday, April 26, 2014

"Dad, why does the wind wrinkle the water?"
one of many "wondering" thoughts
he earnestly asks while on a ten mile bike ride
wandering up and down (one too many) hills.

Dad finds the words; he always does,
which sends him off pondering whatever he spies
next, while I enjoy a winsome view of the two
holding hands, wildly content to welcome this respite.

by Margaret Bednar, April 27, 2014

This is linked with "Imaginary Garden With Real Toads - The Letter W" hosted by Marian. I used 14… We DID take a hilly, ten mile bike ride today and my six year son did ask questions non-stop. We just kept laughing at his inquisitiveness. I enjoyed watching my husband answer every single one. (He didn't really ask about the wrinkly water, though. - that's artistic license :)

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month. The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry. If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING. THANKS.

The video below is a recording of an album found in one of the suitcases photographed by Jon Crispin.

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month. The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry. If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING. THANKS.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

The heavens open
and little angels fall
delicate and pure -
wings so fragile,
skin so thin,
sparse tufts of fuzz
halo their head.

I'm not sure I can save them,
perhaps these first hours
will be their last;
no warble ever to sound,
no wing ever to soar.

One minute, secure,
the next, free-falling
and I feel the utter helplessness
of "All the king's men"
as I try piecing
this shattered nest
together again.

by Margaret Bednar, April 24, 2014

UPDATE 4-25-2014 I checked on them this morning and they did not make it. The mother never found them. They are all huddled together in the nest. I am grateful they had that. It really instilled in me the absolute miracle of life, though. I've never been so close to newborn birds - everything is precious, every life, human or animal, is a gift.

The nest fell from my outdoor umbrella as I opened it for the first time this spring. I ended up putting the nest on a shoebox lid and strapping the whole thing to the inner branches of the evergreen you see behind the adirondak chairs. The mother flew all around the umbrella looking for her babies - near broke my heart. I decided to go inside as I didn't want to scare her anymore. I will check tomorrow and see if she found them…

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month. The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry. If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING. THANKS.

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month. The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry. If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING. THANKS.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

imagined a time the waters
reflected heaven alone,
earth spinning shades
of just blues and whites,
a drop of green, suspended.

Marvel I,
in some small way,
am part of God's artistic finger

and so are you.

Margaret Bednar, April 22, 2014

This is for "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Whozits & Wahtzits Galare" with Lolamouse. She recently traveled to Portland, OR, and found herself in a store with lots of curious things. I chose the above photo and let my mind wander back a few years. I don't like spinning any more, stay away from any rides that involve it (and heights) … I'm really no fun at a theme park. I was watching my girls spin the other day and I guess it helped trigger this poem.

This is also linked with Flash Fiction 55 - this week over at Mama Zen's. In a short while it will have a permanent home at the Imaginary Garden of Real Toads -

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month. The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry. If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING. THANKS.

Monday, April 21, 2014

Renewal often ripples forth
like finely woven waves
loosening their pearls and knits
one, two at a time,
ensuring I don't unravel completely.

I seldom wake suddenly, rather
stir faintly, and so too, my intellect -
gently led, not so much by reason
but moments of sentiment,
when desire, grief, joy, pride,
shame, sympathy have long since
swelled and crashed my shore.

It's the lull of silence, of gentle
quiet times when I listen,
when truth unfolds.

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month. The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry. If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING. THANKS.

Sunday, April 20, 2014

A ride through Jerusalem'sgate, the start of<our lOrd's passion,Palm Sunday Mass, the votive Mass of the Precious Blood, martyrdom of the apostles, all but John, and special feast days of martyrs who've given their lives so one may believe. Yet red also symbolizes the love of God, a burning flame sent on Pentacost, tongues of fire dancing above beloved apostles - flames coming to rest upon their head. For enlightenment that would lead to death - and life everlasting Red for confirmation; becoming part of the living fire. Red for votive Masses of the Holy Spirit. Red vestments are worn to awaken the faithful to a sense of sacred time. A visible way to present the holy, the mystery made visible, a means to help celebrate a love for Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. I'm named for the red robes worn by the Roman Catholic cardinals. View my fiery beauty, hear my vibrant song. h h a a l l l l e e l l ujah! ujah!
This is for "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Mini Challenge for Easter Sunday" - a concrete or shape poem. It's not so much a poem, but what red stands for in the Catholic Church. I'm strapped for time this weekend and I hope to come back and rephrase it a bit to make it a bit more "musical" or poetic.

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month. The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry. If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING. THANKS.

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Through the tulips
I croon, of life, of love,
of strummed spring showers
where we danced tip toe.

Falcetto highs, baritone lows…

blow kisses to one I loved,
pluck scarlet path and croon
of life, of loss,
throw myself over a c
l
i
f
f black heart.

by Margaret Bednar, April 19, 2014

A Turkish legend may be responsible for the red tulip's symbolism. The story goes that a prince named Farhad was love struck by a maiden named Shirin. When Farhad learned that Shirin had been killed, he was so overcome with grief that he killed himself riding his horse over the edge of a cliff. It's said that the scarlet tulip sprang up from each droplet of his blood, giving the red tulip the meaning of "perfect love".

This is for "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads with Sam Edge" He called for Avant-garde poetry, inspired by e. e. cummings. So completely different from my writing. Wished I'd had more time to give this some thought - but this is what I came up with in ten minutes.

I visited the Antietam Civil War Battlefield - (a battle fought on farmland of corn and wheat) a couple of years ago and it still lingers - the quiet can be sliced with a knife - perhaps because it has been so well preserved - I felt like the past was going to rise up and replay itself before my eyes…

What is cool, is my photograph is about the vantage point of the battlefield artist, Edwin Forbes, below!

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month. The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry. If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING. THANKS.

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month. The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry. If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING. THANKS.

This is linked with "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Let's Go to the (Silent) Movies" This is a reworking of a poem I wrote in April 2012. I finally did throw this away, just don't have the space for it in my closet - the boots were worn through and the jacket beyond "give-away" status. He is only six - still not to old for a raincoat. I might just buy him another today.

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month. The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry. If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING. THANKS.

There is a nest in my "decorative" birdhouse for the first time. I am so excited and am being very dutiful in keeping my birdbath scrubbed and filled! I've seen blue birds and all sorts of sparrows and other birds. I have my windows cleaned and camera ready and my new "old " 1975 (4th addition) Song & Garden Birds of North America on my desk. I really want to learn more about birds and I do live in a great state for birding…

I never thought a bird would make it a home. I just read that bird houses should be on poles as black snakes can pose a problem! - Let's hope for the best.

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month. The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry. If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING. THANKS.

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month. The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry. If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING. THANKS.

There are times I wish
I could turn to Mother
like I used to,
have her comb my hair,
sing me a song, read
my favorite story,

tell me everything
will be all right. If only
I could turn back time
to the way things
used to be. But just
for one night -

before she hands me
the dreaded list of
Saturday morning chores.

by Margaret Bednar, April 13, 2014

Linked with "Imaginary Garden of Real Toads - Routines" with Grace. This poem is a bit more wishful thinking on my part, I'm sure as my oldest daughter is probably having way too much fun in college to really wish for the old routine - but I do.

This poem is for her - with a little bit of sweetness, a little bit of sass (just like her).

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month. The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry. If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING. THANKS.

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month. The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry. If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING. THANKS.

The photos I took while visiting "Magnolia Plantation" in South Carolina. I wish I had been able to get there this year while the blooms are peaking… maybe next year. The fragrance that emanates from the Wisteria is out of this world! I find them particularly charming in the wild, however, they are very lovely hanging from the plantation's pergolas as well.

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month. The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry. If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING. THANKS.

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month. The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry. If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING. THANKS.

I did it in 48 and played a bit loose with the theme. I adore the flash and brilliance of April's first colors, but they are so short lived. There have been times I have finally found the time to photograph the beauty of spring's first flowers to find … they have already disappeared! I've made several trips to Charleston, SC plantations to find the Azaleas, Jasmine, Wysteria, etc already gone!

So, for me my favorite perennial wildflowers are abloom in April - and I seem unable to get away to enjoy them - and it is agony for me to walk among the garden trails knowing I missed them by a few days…

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month. The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry. If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING. THANKS.

* (I have always loved Henry David Thoreau's "The bluebird carries the sky on his back")

This is for Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's "All About Abodes" with Helen. I took a bit of liberty as I wrote about a bluebird dwelling. I usually see them on a pole, but this one is attached to a tree - more susceptible to black snakes - but they also nest in old woodpecker holes, so I guess this is natural.

I read the bluebird is in decline and people are putting up bluebird houses. I realize I have two in my yard - one in the front and one way in back. I read they are supposed to be cleaned out each season after nesting. I never knew. I'll have to do that and see if anything transpires.

Also linking this up with Flash Fiction 55. The party is now hosted by Mama Zen & Fireblossom (G-Man is just one of the "regular" guys now :)

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month. The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry. If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING. THANKS.

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month. The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry. If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING. THANKS.

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month. The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry. If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING. THANKS.

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month. The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry. If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING. THANKS.

My two oldest are in college and our house is much quieter. Different. I still have four at home and they keep me hopping. With each child, I will feel a loss, I know it.

Yet, I am just as excited to watch them becoming young adults, following their passions…

I took the two oldest and my youngest to visit their grandparents (see them in upper left hand corner? ) in Florida over spring break. I so enjoyed hearing my son sing and watch my daughter draw on the beach. My son is studying Drama and my daughter is majoring in Scene Design.

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month. The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry. If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING. THANKS.

Palm a poem as if fragile even if the words are bold. Let them sink into your skin as if moonlight, let them flow through your veins until they become ordinary - for only then will we know they nourished.

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Let Life Happen

"What should I say about your tendency to doubt your struggle or to harmonize your inner and outer life? My wish is ever strong that you find enough patience within you and enough simplicity to have faith. May you gain more and more trust in what is challenging, and confidence in the solitude you bear. Let life happen to you. Believe me: life is in the right in any case." (Rainer Maria Rilke) Furnborg, Jonsered, Sweden, November 4, 1904 Letters to a Young Poet